l e c t u r e n o t e s- orange coast college（l e c t u r e n o t e s -橙色海岸大学）.doc

LECTURE NOTES: OCEANOGRAPHY (MARSC 100), SNYDER, L. CH. 18: Environmental Concerns Marine Pollution Introduction into the ocean, by humans, substances or energy (heat, radiation) that change water quality or affects: Physical, chemical, or biological environment Main types of marine pollution Petroleum (oil) Sewage Synthetic Organic Chemicals (DDT, PCB) Heavy Metals (Mercury) Point source: Clear origin or source Sewage outfall, oil tanker spills, industrial plant, utilities Non-point-source: Many diffuse sources Urban runoff, boats (harbors marinas), invasive species, agriculture, trash debris, construction, air pollution Petroleum (oil) pollution Many sources including: Shipping (1.9 MMT/yr.) - much is incidental leakage Tanker accident (0.2 MMT/yr.) – NOT the largest source Exxon Valdez is only 46th largest tanker spill in world history 22X volume of Exxon Valdez dumped in drains each YEAR! Drilling/pumping/refining operations (0.3) Urban Runoff carrying auto waste oil from streets, etc. (0.3) Intentional dumping Washes up on beaches Floats on sea surface Heavy components sink to seafloor Coat marine organisms (insulating fur or feathers useless), kill larvae, clog feeding structures, block sun for photosynthesis Oil is Biodegradable (benthic pelagic organisms – bacteria) Some can be cleaned up: Containment booms, skimmer ships, bottom scrapers, absorbent sheets Some old forms of cleanup too damaging: High pressure hot-water detergents Heavy Metals Mercury Lead (Industry, lead gas runoff) Copper Tin (antifouling boat paint) Extremely toxic, Long-residence time Accumulates in living tissues Pregnant women MUST avoid Carnivore fish species (Tuna, swordfish, shark) Minamata Disease Japan: Chemical plant released Mercury into watershed Contaminated fish Caused severe Neurological birth disorders for babies born to Mom’s who ate fish Synthetic Organic Chemicals Rachel Carson’s book, Silent Spring (1962): Misuse of pesticides brought to